White House: US President signs bill imposing tougher sanctions on Russia and Iran

Washington – 18 – 9 (KUNA) – The White House announced that U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law a bill imposing a package of stringent sanctions on Russia and Iran, which the U.S. House of Representatives passed unanimously by both the Republican and Democratic parties on Wednesday, the day before yesterday. The White House issued a presidential memorandum on Friday stating that “the new law, known as the Lindsey Graham Act, tightens and expands the scope of legal sanctions, tariffs, and embargoes on Russia, and extends existing sanctions on Iran.” The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill by a vote of 262 to 159 to impose a broad package of stringent sanctions on Russia due to its continued war with Ukraine. The new legislation, introduced over a year ago by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and supported by both parties, aims to target the Russian economy and punish Moscow for its ongoing war against Ukraine. It also grants President Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries, including China and India, which are among the top five buyers of Russian crude oil and gas. The law also mandates sanctions on Russian leaders, officials, and financial institutions, and expands the scope of sanctions imposed on Iran. (End) A.M.M. / M.A.H.A.